It’s the season of giving and organizations in and around Boyle Heights are helping their neighbors one turkey at a time.
Boyle Heights Beat has rounded up a list of turkey giveaways in the area leading up to Thanksgiving, including some that are seeking volunteers.
Saturday, Nov. 15
My Gathering Place International and the LAPD Hollenbeck Division are partnering for their annual turkey giveaway at the Hollenbeck Community Police Station. Attendees will receive a ticket for a free turkey on a first-come, first-served basis. The event kicks off at 12 p.m. and will also include giveaways, music and gift cards.
Address: 2111 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
More information: https://mygatheringplaceinternational.com/index.html
Saturday, Nov. 22
The Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA is hosting its 11th annual “Fiesta para La Comunidad” turkey giveaway at Mariachi Plaza. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., attendees will receive a free turkey and Thanksgiving tote bag, while supplies last. Those interested in donating food or volunteering with the YMCA can sign up to do so here.
Address: 1831 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
More information: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQg8ZXYD_tY/
Victory Outreach Boyle Heights, located in East LA, will also be giving away free turkeys to the community from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. About 400 turkeys are given out every year on a first-come, first-served basis, according to Senior Pastor Robert Peña, who says attendees usually start lining up around 7 a.m. Only one turkey is allowed per household.
The church welcomes turkey donations, which can be dropped off in person anytime until Friday, Nov. 21.
Address: 104 S. Marianna Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90063
More information: https://www.facebook.com/victoryoutreachboyleheights/
Sunday, Nov. 23
The Jenni Rivera Love Foundation is giving back to single mothers and low-income families through its Blessings & Abundance Thanksgiving Giveaway. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at East Los Tacos and participants must register here. Attendees will receive a turkey and a box of food that includes “traditional and Latin favorites,” according to the registration form.
The foundation, founded by the late singer Jenni Rivera, has supported women and families affected by domestic and sexual abuse since 2008.
Address: 4500 E. Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90022
More information: Register online here.
Monday, Nov. 24
The family of the late Dodger icon Fernando Valenzuela is hosting its 2nd annual turkey giveaway in Boyle Heights in partnership with renowned artist Robert Vargas. The giveaway will be held next to Robert Vargas’ three-panel mural honoring the late Dodger legend, starting at 11 a.m., although last year, residents began lining up as early as 6 a.m.
“We began this tradition to honor my dad to carry on his generous spirit by giving back to the communities that supported him,” Valenzuela’s daughter, Maria Fernandez Valenzuela, wrote in an Instagram post promoting the event.
Address: 1781 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
More information: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRQD8GtkocN/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
Tuesday, Nov. 25
The “Miracle on 1st Street” turkey giveaway at the Hollenbeck Youth Center returns for its 44th year. Starting at 9 a.m., families will be given fresh produce and shelf-stable items along with their turkey to ensure they can make a full holiday meal. Some turkeys will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event, but online registration is recommended.
Address: 2015 E. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90033
More information: Register online here; those looking to volunteer can contact info@hollenbeckpbc.org
This list will be updated as we round up more events in the neighborhood. Do you have a community event or volunteer opportunity to share this holiday season? Send us an email at editor@boyleheightsbeat.org.
Correction, November 17, 2025 12:07 pm:
This story has been updated to include an additional event and add details about the turkey giveaway at Victory Outreach Boyle Heights.
Correction, November 14, 2025 12:12 pm:
This story has been updated to correct the address of the “Fiesta para La Comunidad” turkey giveaway at Mariachi Plaza.